[Diurnal food intake rhythm and gustatory sensitivity in patients with obesity and dyspepsia]

Disordered eating behavior, nutritional regime, and food habits lead to deterioration of quality of life especially in patients with digestive problems. The role of nutrition in etiology and pathogenesis of dyspepsia is currently the subject of increasing research interest that extends to gustatory sensitivity, diurnal nutritional rhythms, and psychological characteristic of the patients with dyspeptic syndrome and obesity This study included 68 patients (42 women and 26 men) aged 20-60 (mean 46.2 +/- 4.6) years with dyspeptic syndrome and 26 practically healthy subjects (1st control). Study group 1 included 28 patients with dyspepsia and normal BMI, group 2 was comprised of 40 dyspeptic patients with obesity. Disordered diurnal nutritional rhythms and food intake regime were documented in 24 (86%) and 36 (90%) patients of study groups 1 and 2 respectively compared with 10 (50%) in the 1st control group. Gustatory thresholds were changed in 21 (75%) and 38 (95%) patients of study groups 1 and 2. These data suggest that changes in diurnal nutritional rhythm and gustatory sensitivity are related to eating preferences and can play a role in pathogenesis of obesity and dyspepsia. It implies the necessity of their correction by relevant therapeutic and preventive treatments.